Director of Research and Conservation @ Mara Elephant Project

Job description

Position: Director of Research and Conservation
Location: Mara Headquarters in Masai Mara
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer
Direct Reports: Deputy Director, Research Team

Job Summary
The Director of Research and Conservation at the Mara Elephant Project (MEP) will be pivotal in driving evidence-based applied research and enhancing innovative conservation strategies to address critical challenges facing elephants. This leadership position will advance MEP’s understanding of the complex conservation and development issues within the Maasai Mara ecosystem, ensuring the implementation of effective, data-driven, community-led conservation strategies for the long-term protection of elephants and their habitats. In addition, the Director will provide strategic oversight, scientific expertise, and operational leadership, while fostering collaboration with the Research Advisory Council (RAC) to further MEP’s mission of safeguarding elephants and preserving their habitats. This role will be central to strengthening MEP’s position as a leader in wildlife conservation through impactful research and strategic conservation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities
· Provide strategic leadership and support for conservation planning work and establish overall applied research & conservation priorities for MEP.
· Oversee critical datasets collection, management, and analysis, including human footprint monitoring and wildlife behavior studies.
· Act as the primary liaison for strategic partnerships, fostering strong relationships that enhance collaboration and advance the organization’s conservation goals.
· Promote Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building and develop key partnerships to implement and measure organizational success effectively, driving continuous improvement in conservation efforts.
· Develop an overarching applied research strategy for the organization, identifying key research areas and partners aligned with our mission and goals.
· Leverage the diverse expertise of RAC members to enhance MEP’s research initiatives and ensure alignment with MEP’s strategic objectives and briefing the MEP Board Members
· Develop innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools, and frameworks to address the natural system needs that align with the Greater Mara Monitoring Framework (GMMF)
· Capable of Integrating science with organizational priorities and field Programs, ensuring seamless integration to drive impactful and mission-focused outcomes.
· Lead and manage a team that supports and improves conservation efforts.

Qualification and Experience

• PhD. in a relevant field such as Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Zoology, Biodiversity Conservation, Natural Resource Management, Geospatial Science, or a related field.

· Demonstrated 10 years of experience managing research initiatives with strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis/statistical tools (e.g., Python, R).

If you meet the qualifications for this position and are interested in joining MEP, please submit your CV and cover letter to humanresources@maraelephantproject.org. Applications will be accepted throughout February and March 2025.